Parasitic Illness Cases Linked to Iceberg Lettuce in Multiple States
Iceberg lettuce has been identified as the source of parasitic illness cases across 15 U.S. states, health officials announced. This outbreak of Cyclospora has led investigators to examine a broader range of contaminated sources as the illness has appeared in at least 47 states this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an increase in the number of affected states, moving from nine to 15. Newly affected states include Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. These join a list of previously known states such as Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Initial investigations focused on lettuce served at Taco Bell. However, federal attention has now shifted to Taylor Farms, suspected of supplying the contaminated lettuce. The company has since recalled iceberg lettuce cultivated in central Mexico.
“There have been staffing cuts at all levels of public health — federal, local, state — so there are less resources and capacity generally available.”
— Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, Medical Director, Washtenaw County and Livingston County Health Departments
Dr. Juan Luis Marquez highlighted the difficulties in tackling Cyclospora outbreaks. The delayed onset of symptoms following exposure, the challenge of analyzing the parasite in labs, and the extensive interviewing required to identify common exposure sources contribute to these difficulties.
Cyclospora, a microscopic spherical parasite, often causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including watery diarrhea, according to the CDC. Outbreaks are more common during late spring and summer seasons due to the heat-loving nature of the parasite. While cyclosporiasis is less commonly associated with foodborne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli, many cases remain unlinked to any specific source.
The year 2019 marked the highest incidence of infections in the U.S., with approximately 4,700 cases reported nationwide. This year, the situation is significantly worse, with Michigan alone documenting over 12,000 cases, including two fatalities. Collectively, over 25,000 cases have been reported across involved states.
The Food and Drug Administration is currently monitoring five active Cyclospora outbreaks. The outbreak spanning 15 states is the most severe. Information linking products to other outbreaks is not yet available, though one outbreak has affected 115 individuals.
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